Bombardier Aerospace announced today that Nantong Tongzhou Bay Aviation Industry (Nantong Tongzhou Bay Aviation) has signed a letter of intent (LOI) to acquire 30 firm Q400 NextGen aircraft, as it prepares to launch commercial airline operations in China through an airline to be named “Sutong Airlines.” Sutong Airlines, to be based in Nantong, Jiangsu plans to operate an all-Bombardier fleet of Q400 NextGen airliners when it starts operations in 2015.

Based on Q400 NextGen aircraft list price, a firm order would be valued at approximately $995 million US.

“With its regional aviation model set to revolutionize air service in Jiangsu, one of China’s most affluent and fast-growing provinces, Sutong Airlines will not only make traveling increasingly convenient for the people of Jiangsu, but will also bring tremendous economic benefits to the economies and communities of the province,” said Zhou Binzhen, President, Nantong Tongzhou Bay Aviation Industry Co., Ltd.

“As the sole aircraft manufacturer with three distinct and optimized families of aircraft in the regional and single-aisle market segments of up to 149 seats, Bombardier is pleased to support China’s five-year plan that calls for the expansion of regional airlines,” said Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “We are thrilled that Nantong Tongzhou Bay Aviation is looking to the Q400 NextGen aircraft to establish Sutong Airlines’ operations, and we look forward to supporting the up-and-coming airline in supplying regional air transportation service that will allow ease of movement within China.”